Holiday Gifts for Writers

Do you know a writer you would like to pamper with gifts at this time of year? Would you like others to give you ‘writerly’ gifts this holiday season? This post takes a light-hearted look at some great possibilities. If you need to drop some hints, why not highlight the gifts that interest you, then leave the post lying around where others’ eyes will see it and take the hint?

Items to Beautify The Writing Space

Most writers have a preferred spot to write at home, especially during the winter months when they can’t set up a table and chair outdoors, or head to a local park. Here are some gifts that will enhance that indoor writing space:

a bunch of fresh flowers will brighten both the heart and the setting

a soft handmade shawl (handmade by someone else, that is) can ward off the winter chills

a beeswax candle. When a beeswax candle is burned, negative ions are generated, and the air is cleansed

a piece of original art. Why not support a local artist and delight the writer in your life with a piece that echoes their favourite colours

an IDEA JAR. Decorate an antique Mason jar with an “IDEAS” label, and include a supply of blank cards to write on. When ideas occur, the writer can jot them down and add them to the jar for future inspiration

Beautiful Writing Materials

If the writer on your list likes to write by hand, why not treat them to some luscious writing materials:

they may appreciate a journal with gorgeous images on the cover and thick creamy pages that are a delight to write on. Most bookstores carry a wide selection

how about a package of twelve smooth-writing pens, such as the Pilot Hi-Tecpoint V5, with an extra fine 0.5 point. Available at Staples

if your writer has been yearning to write with a fountain pen, consider the Parker Urban Fountain Pen; a reasonably-priced model available at Staples. CLICK HERE

Gifts That Promote Self-Care

Writers are notorious for not taking care of themselves. Writing late into the night or early in the morning before heading off to work, spending hours hunched over a computer or laptop, drinking too much coffee…. Consider these gifts that promote self-care:

for those tight muscles, particularly in the neck and shoulder area, your writer will appreciate Yoga Tuneup Therapy Balls. You can purchase two of these 2 1/2″ balls in a mesh sack. They are great for easing out tension, and come with instructions. CLICK HERE

why not pre-purchase yoga classes taught by a yoga teacher who is also a writer. Elaine Jackson of Jackson Yoga offers yoga classes, therapeutic yoga and private sessions. CLICK HERE.

A Gift Certificate from a Local Independent Bookstore

Writers love to read. Why not treat your writer to a gift certificate redeemable at a local independent bookstore? You’ll delight the writer and give much needed support to the bookstore. Here are some possibilities:

What writer doesn’t like an opportunity to develop their craft and connect with other writers? Pre-paying for a writing course, retreat or conference on behalf of your favourite writer is a great idea.

Of course, we’d love you to purchase Writing from the Centregift certificates.
CLICK HERE for link. Also check out the following wonderful learning opportunities:

As one of your ‘writerly’ gifts, consider giving to a charity, on behalf of your writer. PEN International promotes literature and defends freedom of expression worldwide. To read more about this organization and make a donation CLICK HERE.

A Year-long Subscription to a Writing Magazine or Literary Journal

With a year-long subscription, your favourite writer will remember your thoughtfulness throughout the year. There are so many publications to choose from. Consider your writer’s genre(s) and interests.

Many writers say that what they’d like most of all is time – uninterrupted time all to themselves, dedicated to writing.

if your writer has young children, offer to babysit while they take time to write. You might even agree to swap living spaces for an afternoon so the writer has a quiet spot in which to write

give the writer gift certificates for housecleaning services. The time that is freed up can be devoted to writing

offer to meet the writer on a regular basis (weekly, bi-weekly) in a local café. The coffee and treats are on you and you both get to write (and read excerpts from what you’ve written)

I hope that these suggestions are helpful. I’m sure you can think of many more. The writer on your list will thank you for not giving them a tacky Christmas sweater, and you can sleep well on Christmas Eve knowing that your gift has a good chance of being well-received.

Happy Holiday wishes to you and yours. Happy shopping!

Until next time,

Janis

Our next writing retreat will take place on Sunday, January 19, 2014. We hope you can join us.

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